'Pokemon GO' International Release Paused For Server Problems

Pokemon GO is a hit. It's so much of a hit, in fact, that the wave of players in the first few days has overloaded the servers, leaving huge numbers of people unable to get out there and catch AR Pokemon. Launch day stress is nothing new for online games, but it only takes a moment to look at Twitter and see just how frustrated players are starting to become. The company is aware of the problem and working to improve stability, and in the meantime developer Niantic has delayed the international rollout until it can feel comfortable in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, where the game is already live. That means territories like Canada, Europe, the UK and South America will have to wait: Niantic CEO John Hanke told Business Insider that the rollout is "paused until we're comfortable." Seems like a good idea.

"We thought the game would be popular, but it obviously struck a nerve," he added.

Hanke also said that he's feeling positive about server stability going forward, and that the game had a good run on Thursday evening. On a personal level, I was locked out for most of Friday afternoon but was able to get back on in the evening, and I haven't had any trouble yet connecting today (Saturday). The weekend should prove a big test for the new game, as huge numbers of players strain the already shaky servers once to their breaking point. The real question will be what sort of impact this early trouble will have on the long-term success of the game. If Niantic can reach stability by early success, I predict we'll see minimal damage: true, a mobile audience doesn't have much patience for servers that don't work, but the game has clearly established a strong foothold, and it's such a successful concept that I think it will recover so long as the servers hold.

For my part, I've developed a strong Pinsir, a whole mess of Doduo and a promising Bulbosaur. Today, I think I'll see what Pokemon are lurking to the west of my neighborhood.